Bonfire Night

A reminder to please ensure that site security is followed, with gates closed and locked - particularly forest sites in close proximity to public areas.  Callers have warned of the loss of timber for ‘bonfire making material’ and the fear of larger rockets (which travel a great distance from the point of lighting) and sky lanterns – both posing a risk of fire in woodland areas.

While sky lanterns may look nice as they drift up into the sky, it’s important to remember that they are essentially open flame balloons floating wherever the wind may take them, posing a risk of wildfire and risk to wildlife from the litter and wire. Also known as a Chinese lantern, a sky lantern is a lightweight wire or bamboo frame surrounded by paper and an open flame which causes the lantern to float, basically a miniature hot air balloon.

For the moment, sky lanterns are not banned in England, Scotland or Ireland. Their use has been banned on council land in Wales since February 2018, while their use has been banned in parts of England, the ban is not yet nationwide.

The NFU is leading a campaign for a total ban of sky lanterns joining forces with farming, environment, animal and fire organisations to call for a national ban of sky lanterns as part of a long-running campaign to ground them for good. Sky lanterns continue to be a real danger to many living and working in the countryside, please show your support and sign the online petition.

Fire and rescue services around the UK have all issued warnings against sky lanterns. Lantern releases have already been banned in some countries including Australia, Germany and Malta.